How To Safely Cliff Dive

While cliff diving is a sport with a long and storied history, it also leads to a great number of deaths around the world each year. Most fatalities occur when inexperienced individuals do not take the proper precautions beforehand. Knowing some simple guidelines to follow can help prevent these situations.

Test The Depth

Just because someone else might have jumped from a certain cliff in the past does not make it safe. Tides can change and water levels may rise and fall. Assessing the depth of the water is always necessary for each session. While throwing a rock into the water can sometimes work, only experienced divers should use this method. For less seasoned jumpers, research on a particular site is the route to take. Water lower than four meters (13.1 feet) should not be jumped into.

Protect Your Ears

Most who are unfamiliar with the sport only consider the life-threatening injuries associated with cliff diving. However, the pressure from plummeting into a pool of water can blow a diver’s eardrums. Make sure to prep your ears with silicone or a small amount of olive oil.

Use Proper Form

Although some athletes can be found swan diving into the water, the only safe way to dive is feet first. Most professional divers, although they may flip on their way down, end feet first with their arms at their side. Additionally, confidence is key. Second-guessing, although instinctually motivated to protect the diver, can often do more harm than good.